Rutenberg Concession in Tranjordania is Criticized

December 17, 1929

Amman (Dec. 16)

Replying in detail to those who opposed awarding of concessions for installing electricity to Rutenberg, the Secretary of the Government yesterday explained that the concessions were granted in 1921 before Transjordan separated from Palestine and then included Transjordan when the latter became separate in 1923. Amendments to the concessions provide that it is under the Transjordan government supervision. It is also stipulated, the Secretary said, that Amman, Essalt and Kerak are not bound to install electricity through Rutenberg. The latter paid $15 per dunam of land while usually the price is $5. if after investigation it is clear that not all the 6,000 dunams of land are needed for the concession, the remainder will be retaken by the government, the Secretary explained.